Vero Beach, FL – Vero Classical School was honored to host Jeff Pickering, President and CEO of the Indian River Community Foundation as it presented the school with a $1,000,000 donation from a donor-advised fund. This transformational gift will help support the first phase of the school’s capital campaign, bringing Vero Classical School one step closer to establishing its permanent campus. As the first institution of its kind within a one-hour radius of Indian River County, Vero Classical is meeting a pressing need for a time-tested, traditional approach focused on character formation and academic excellence.
Jeff states: “The Community Foundation serves many clients whose philanthropy is motivated by their faith. The grant to Vero Classical School reflects one anonymous couple’s belief that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We are proud to facilitate this act of tremendous generosity and look forward to seeing the good that will come from it.”
With a mission to provide an exceptional, Christ-centered education rooted in the classical tradition, Vero Classical School has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 2023. Currently serving 88 students in grades K-5, the school plans to add a grade level each year. The first phase of construction will accommodate up to 350 students, with capacity for future expansions serving over 750 students as a full K-12 institution.
“The impact of this type of gift is immeasurable,” said Jamison Kelley, Founder and Classical Coordinator of VCS. “We are humbled to see how the mission and vision of this school have touched the hearts of those who care deeply for our community and its children. Children are the future, and we are passionate about excellence in education and virtue formation while fostering a love for learning. Generous gifts like this are essential to extending this opportunity to more families and students, and we are so grateful.”
After acquiring 53 acres of land last year, this $1,000,000 contribution marks a significant milestone in Vero Classical School’s fundraising efforts. Groundbreaking will take place late July 2025, at the future home of Vero Classical School on 58th Ave and 13st SW. The community is invited to celebrate this momentous achievement. Phase One of the campus is scheduled for completion by August 2026.
The strength of Vero Classical School’s leadership has been instrumental in the school’s success. The Board of Directors, led by Michael Kelley (Chairman) and Jamison Kelley (Founder), includes Chris Hill, Sue Brackett Dean, Todd W. Fennell, Joel Molinari Sr., Judge Joe Wild, Andrew Barnett, Nick Bischoff, and Matt Stott. This local and experienced Board provides visionary guidance and steadfast commitment to advancing the school’s mission.
As Vero Classical School continues to expand, the support of community partners, families, and donors remains crucial to fulfilling its mission. For more information about Vero Classical School and ways to support its mission, please visit www.veroclassicalschool.org or call directly at 772-321-2868.
About Vero Classical School
Vero Classical School was founded in 2023 with the mission of providing an exceptional, Christ centered education in the classical tradition. The school seeks to cultivate students who think critically, communicate effectively, and grow in wisdom and virtue. With enrollment for the 2025- 2026 school year set at 112 students, Vero Classical School plans to expand annually, offering a rich and meaningful education that shapes the hearts and minds of future generations.
Vero Classical School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and welcomes gifts of all types, including cash donations, securities, real estate, grants, and planned giving.
About Indian River Community Foundation
Indian River Community Foundation was established in 2008 with a mission to build a better community through donor-driven philanthropy. By helping individuals and families create donor advised funds, the Foundation connects charitable resources to local organizations that create meaningful, lasting impact in Indian River County. Since its inception, the Foundation and its clients have awarded more than $140 million in grants to support education, healthcare, social services, and the arts. More information can be found at www.ircommunityfoundation.org.
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